Our foundation supports and supplements a variety of programs, activities, and opportunities for students in the College of Education, P-12 students and educators, and our community.

Serving children from birth to kindergarten, the CDL offers research-based early childhood learning experiences and skills development. A current focus is continuing the development of the natural play scape area. The children are free to be hands-on, create, and engage in motor development, social interaction, and confident exploration. There are 135+ children on a waiting list to attend the program.

Funds contributed to the department support student-centered activities from student travel to professional conferences for presentations, research projects, and internship/job fairs; in addition to providing “loaner” laptops to students without access and outstanding student awards.

The department allocates funds to a variety of programs and initiatives prioritizing funds that directly impact students. Long-term goals are to 1) update classroom technology; 2) fund more scholarships specific to high-need areas including special education, English as a Second Language, and STEM education; 3) offer support for students to attend conferences and professional development opportunities.

Based on the focus of our department, the programs are in need of new activity equipment and laboratory materials/supplies annually. In addition to support for student scholarships, contributions for technology-related items including software and/or licenses related to assessment, fitness, teaching, and research (i.e. class set of iPads, individualized heart rate monitors, hands-on support materials, etc.) directly impact our students' pre-professional experiences.

The College of Education offers scholarships annually of varying amounts to undergraduate and graduate students. Though the scholarship awards are of great assistance to our students, it is our hope to grow existing funds and increase the individual monetary amounts awarded to students.

The McCormick Praxis Exam Fund directly supports teacher candidates by covering fees for required professional exams. Praxis exams cost between $100-$150 per test; some candidates take up to five tests, depending on their program. Some candidates experience extreme financial hardships and prolong their programs by putting off their exams. Directly help these students get started on their careers.

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Exceptional Learning doctoral candidates focus on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are frequently unrealized. Contributions to the program are used to support student research and travel to present at conferences and symposia, offer seminars and workshops, and provide supplemental tuition and subsistence support for qualified students.

The P-16 Diversity Partnership is a collaboration with local public schools and community groups led by the College of Education that began in the 2018-2019 academic year. Funds support initiatives and programs exploring diversity-related topics and promoting access, inclusion, and equity. The partnership includes Tennessee Tech students serving as mentors to local school students, a guest speaker series, professional development for pre- and in-service teachers as well as community members, and more.

Student teachers are immersed in another culture while gaining real-world teaching experience through an 8-week cultural immersion excursion in one of 18 countries. Funds donated to this effort are used to offset student application fees ($1,200) and housing accommodations while abroad (costs vary by country); airfare is provided by the Tennessee Tech Study Abroad office.

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